Petley launches mayoral challenge
After one term representing Putā ruru on the South Waikato District Council Gary Petley thinks he’s got what it takes to lead the district into the future and will run for mayor in October’s local government elections.
‘‘Being born here and living most of my life here, the South Waikato is in my DNA and coming from a working-class background I have great insights into what’s happening around the place,’’ said Petley, who is a tanker driver.
The district’s biggest issues would be around housing and employment and making sure young people are well-trained, want to stay in the region, have good jobs, and somewhere to live when they do decide to stay, he said.
Petley will join Tokoroa councillor Arama Ngapo in a bid for the mayoralty after South Waikato District Council (SWDC) mayor Jenny Shattock announced she was stepping down from the role.
Petley, 67, was born and bred in Putā ruru and is of Ngā ti Ranginui, Ngā ti Raukawa and Ngā ti Mutunga descent.
He said standing for mayor was not initially on his radar but was approached to consider the role after learning of Shattock’s resignation.
‘‘I’ve taken my time to think about what the responsibility would mean to me . . . I think it would be another good challenge and I’m up for it.’’
‘‘With me, what you see is what you get. I campaigned in Putā ruru with the promise that a vote for me would be a voice for you, and I’d like to continue that.
‘‘I’m very much a team player and rely on the people around me to get things done.’’
Petley said he had ‘‘huge issues’’ with the Government’s Three Waters legislation and would oppose any move to amalgamate the South Waikato into the scheme.
He said changes to the Resource Management Act and the makeup of local government would also need to be closely monitored to make sure there were benefits for the South Waikato.
Petley said he felt the wheels of council moved too slowly for his liking and, under the right leadership, the district would blossom.
‘‘The potential here is huge, and there’s a lot more we can do.
‘‘Leadership is not just about being the mayor, it has to include the whole council and its executive staff as well.
‘‘I’d like to see projects completed within a reasonable timeframe, we need to get things up and running faster than we have been.’’
He said it was also imperative that no one gets left behind, and the council had to remember its social responsibilities while promoting economic growth.
‘‘It’s a struggle for a lot of people right now, and I understand that struggle.’’
Petley works as a tanker driver for Fonterra in Putā ruru, but worked at Kinleith and lived in Tokoroa for 21 years, has four sons and 16 moko (grandchildren) who call the district their home.
‘‘We are all entrenched here in the South Waikato, and we all love it here.
‘‘Part of the reason why I want to run is that the South Waikato has been good to us, and we have got a lot out of the community, so I want to give something back.
‘‘I love the people here, everyone knows each other.’’